Fort Oglethorpe (Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Oglethorpe |
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| Catoosa / Walker counties, Georgia, United States | |
Members of the UNC Class of 1917 at Fort Oglethorpe, March 1915
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| Coordinates | 34°56′58.75″N 85°15′10.66″W |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Private/Public |
| Site history | |
| In use | 1902–1946 |
Fort Oglethorpe was an important U.S. Army base located in the state of Georgia. It was first set up in 1902 and welcomed its first soldiers in 1904. This base played many different roles throughout its history. It was a home for soldiers, a place to train new recruits, and even a camp for prisoners of war.
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What Was Fort Oglethorpe?
Fort Oglethorpe mainly served as a base for the 6th Cavalry, which was a group of soldiers who rode horses. Imagine a time when horses were still very important for moving soldiers around!
Fort Oglethorpe During World Wars
During World War I, Fort Oglethorpe became a camp for about 4,000 German prisoners of war and other civilians. It was also a place where new soldiers joined the army.
Later, during World War II, the fort continued to be a major center for processing new recruits. It also became a very important training center for the Women's Army Corps. This was a special group of women who joined the army to help with the war effort.
After World War II ended, the army no longer needed Fort Oglethorpe. The land was sold, and most of the old base became the town we know today as Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.
Life and People at the Fort
Life at Fort Oglethorpe wasn't just about military training. Soldiers also had time for fun activities.
Polo at the Fort
In the 1930s, soldiers at Fort Oglethorpe enjoyed playing polo. This is a sport played on horseback with a mallet and a ball. They sometimes played with Summerfield Johnston, Sr., whose family was involved with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
A Famous Artist at the Fort
Did you know that a famous comic book artist once stayed at Fort Oglethorpe? His name was Marc Swayze. He was stationed there at the beginning of World War II. He is known for his work in creating comic books.
